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Spring 2010 - Issue #19
THE PLOWSHARE
News for John Deere Collectors
Event marks the 50th anniversary of the New Generation of Power
If your summer plans include vintage tractor shows and
rides you’ll want to add Waterloo, Iowa, to your itinerary.
This year Waterloo will be hosting the John Deere Fall
Festival, September 9 through 11, a celebration of the 50th
anniversary of the introduction of the New Generation of
Power.
“There’s no better place to celebrate New Generation
tractors than at the site of the factory where they were
manufactured and in a city with so much John Deere
history,” said Chris Boyens, senior heritage marketing &
research specialist. “Waterloo has been home to major John
Deere facilities since the company purchased the Waterloo
Gasoline Engine Company in 1918.”
The Fall Festival will include a tractor and implement show,
tractor ride, swap meet, tractor and memorabilia auctions
and more.
And, while the event will focus on the New Generation of
Power, organizers say other eras of John Deere’s history
will be represented at the festival. Both the tractor and
implement show and the tractor ride are open to any model
John Deere tractor, regardless of its age. Some current John
Deere products also will be displayed.
50 years ago, ads like this let the world know about an entirely
new line of John Deere Tractors. In September you can celebrate
the anniversary of the introduction of the New Genearation
tractors at the John Deere Fall Festival in Waterloo, Iowa.
Considering John Deere’s long history in Waterloo the
memorabilia auction is expected to include a variety
of exciting John Deere collectibles, said Mary Swehla,
supervisor, visitors services at Waterloo and event organizer.
“There should be a wealth of memorabilia available,” she
said.
At least one
employee is
planning on
taking advantage of the auction to sell a unique John Deere item. “A welder at
Waterloo designed and built a toy tractor from scrap metal,” said Swehla.
The welder plans to sell the tractor at the memorabilia auction and donate the
proceeds to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Fall Festival will also include a number of guest speakers discussing a variety
of tractor-related topics. One session will feature a panel discussion with several
John Deere retirees who were involved in the creation of the New Generation of
Power.
Guests will have another chance to soak up first-hand accounts of John Deere
history during a meet and greet with engineers who helped design the New
See Fall Festival on Page 5
Details
• For more information on the
John Deere Fall Festival, to
register for the swap meet or
banquet, or register your
machine for the tractor and
implement show or tractor ride
visit http://www.deere.com/
en_US/attractions/fallfest
index.html
• To consign an item for the
tractor or memorabilia auctions
visit www.AumannAuctions.com
Longaberger Basket Fest Returns
to the John Deere Pavilion
Hammer In to celebrate “Blacksmith,
the Master Craftsman”
The John Deere Historic Site will host the fourth
Hammer In August 7 and 8.
With the theme “Blacksmith, the Master Craftsman,”
the event will focus on the blacksmith’s historical role in
creating iron products and making tools used in other
trades.
Along with blacksmiths, a variety of other tradespeople
will be featured. Basket weavers, broom makers,
gunsmiths, wheelwrights and others will be on hand to
demonstrate their skills and sell their wares.
Thousands of visitors stopped by the John Deere Pavilion
May 6-9 for a rare event - the Longaberger Basket Fest.
For the third time since 2006 Longaberger representatives
set up shop in the Moline, Illinois, Pavilion, giving
participants the chance to enjoy activities usually only
offered at Longaberger’s Ohio headquarters.
For many, the highlight of the Basket Fest was the
opportunity to weave their own Longaberger baskets.
Several Longaberger weavers were on hand to help
participants create their own one-of-a-kind keepsakes.
The Hammer In will also include an auction featuring
items made by the craftspeople participating in the
event. Hammer In
sponsors, the Upper
Midwest Blacksmith
The Details
Association
What: Hammer In 2010
and the Illinois
When: August 7 and 8,
Valley Blacksmith
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days
Association, will use
Where: The John Deere
the auction proceeds
Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton
to support their
Street, Dixon, IL 61021
scholarship programs
and to fund future
More information: Rick
Hammer Ins.
Trahan, 815-652-4551
Some visitors even got the chance to have their baskets
signed by a member of the Longaberger family.
The Basket Fest also featured Longaberger merchandise at
discounted prices, including discontinued baskets, pottery,
wrought iron products, candles and food items.
“The Basket Fest was an opportunity to bring together two
great brands,” said Al Higley, Manager, John Deere Branded
Properties. “There’s a big interest in both of these brands
among collectors, and events like the Basket Fest are great
ways for people to get involved and learn more about both
companies, their products and their people.”
In addition to the Longaberger attractions Basket Fest
participants could also enjoy the Pavilion’s usual activities.
A number of new and vintage John Deere machines are
always on display at the facility, and visitors can learn more
about Deere, its products and agribusiness around the
world through several interactive displays focused on the
history and future of farming.
Children at the Basket Fest could also explore the Pavilion’s
“Kid’s Corner.” This interactive area offers kids a fun way to
learn about food and farming.
“There was something for every member of the family,” said
Higley.
A blacksmith demonstrates his craft during the 2008
Hammer In.
2
John Deere’s long line of large row-crop tractors - Part 2
This is the final installment of a two-part article exploring the history of John Deere’s large row-crop tractor line. As
John Deere’s tractor line has grown, so have the tractors themselves. In the last 50 years row-crop, diesel models have
increased by 286 horsepower and become more efficient and productive than any early tractor designer could have
dreamed. The last issue included information about the Model 730 through the 4850. Below you’ll read about recent
tractors including the 4955, the 8410 and the new 8345R.
the cab and moved the air intake
under the hood. In addition to these
improvements, Deere’s exclusive rackand-pinion rear axles, introduced in
1952, were brought back by popular
demand.
John Deere also added more lights
for the 60 series to accommodate the
many farmers who were working more
acres and often longer days.
The John Deere 4955 set horsepower records when it was introduced in 1988. The
tractor was the first John Deere row-crop tractor to offer 200 PTO horsepower.
The 4850 was introduced in 1983,
offering better fuel efficiency just
in time for the farm crisis that hit
the United States in the 1980s. At
the end of the recession John Deere
was the only American agricultural
manufacturer that hadn’t closed or
merged with another company. Just as
John Deere had continued developing
machines during the Great Depression
of the 1930s, the company was
working on the replacement for the 50
series through the farm crisis of the
1980s.
The 55 series, introduced in 1988,
included the new 4955. With 200
horsepower, the tractor set the record
for the highest PTO horsepower at
maximum and engine rated speed,
PTO and drawbar fuel efficiency and
the most drawbar pull in its class.
The 18,000-pound 4955 was the first
Deere row-crop tractor to reach the
200 PTO horsepower mark.
Increased power wasn’t the only
advantage of the 4955. The 55 series
3
also featured more electronics inside
the cab, including a digital dash and
the new IntelliTrak system, a feature
that allowed the operator to monitor
tractor information.
The 4955 handled the needs of
row-crop farmers until 1991 when
customers began to ask for increased
comfort. In response, John Deere
introduced the new 60 series tractors.
While the largest of that series, the
4960, received the same Nebraska
Tractor Test rating as the 4955 the
new tractor was different from its
predecessors. The 4960 was the first
large row-crop tractor to change in
appearance since the Generation II
tractors were introduced in 1972.
The most noticeable update may have
been the elimination of the intake and
exhaust stacks that had topped the
hoods of John Deere tractors since
the two-cylinder days. To provide the
operator with a clearer view Deere
created a new exhaust system that
vented near the front, right side of
The next major changes to Deere’s
large row-crop tractors came in 1994.
The 8000 series brought all new cabs,
transmissions, hydraulics, looks and
comfort – not to mention Deere’s new
8.1 liter PowerTech diesel engine. The
8400, the largest of the 8000 series,
was rated at 225 PTO horsepower.
That was 25 more than the 4960, and
10 more than the closest competitor.
The 8400 also set a Nebraska Tractor
Test record for fuel efficiency.
The rear-end housing on the 8000
series tractors had also been updated
with heavy duty components to
handle the increased power and lift
capacity of the three-point hitch,
which increased lift capacity from
10,651 pounds on the 4960 up to
15,650 pounds on the 8400.
The updates on the 8000 series didn’t
end there. The patented chassis
design positioned the engine directly
over the front axles, and moved the
transmission directly behind the
engine. These changes allowed the
fuel tank to move to the center of the
tractor, making it easier for operators
to fill, and giving the tractor more fuel
carrying capacity.
The new chassis configuration gave
the 8000 series tractors the tightest
turn radius with narrow row settings.
According to Christopher Murray, John
Deere product support representative,
the 8000 series tractors could make a
figure eight turn inside a competitor’s
turn diameter.
“To say the new 8000 series were
popular is an understatement,” said
Murray. “Fifteen years after their
introduction you can still find these
features and designs in current John
Deere tractors, and you can find
versions of these ideas in all of John
Deere’s competitor’s tractors.”
In August, 1999 John Deere
introduced the new 8000 Ten Series
tractors. These machines offered new
power and convenience to customers.
With 235 PTO horsepower, the 8410
became the most powerful row-crop
tractor offered by Deere.
The 8410 also offered Implement
Management System, a feature that
allowed the operator to program
the tractor to perform up to twelve
functions at the same time with a
single button, relieving the operator of
having to complete multiple functions
at the end of each row.
In 2001 John Deere introduced
the 8000 Twenty Series, including
the new 8520. Rated at 255 PTO
horsepower, the 8520 was the largest
row-crop tractor to date. The tractor’s
PowerTech engine also met the Tier
II emission regulations in place at
that time. These standards are set
by governments to regulate exhaust
emissions. And, thanks to John Deere’s
new Independent Link Suspension and
Active Seat, the increased horsepower
didn’t come at the expense of a
Introduced in 2009, the 345-horsepower 8345R is currently the largest row-crop tractor
offered by John Deere.
smooth ride.
The 8520 also featured AutoTrac,
an all-new option that allowed the
tractor to steer itself across the
field. The feature increased operator
productivity by eliminating overlaps
and reducing stress. The technology
continues to grow in popularity and is
still evolving today.
The John Deere 8000 Thirty Series
tractors were introduced in August,
2005. The largest of the group, the
8530 lead the industry with 275 PTO
horsepower, a full 20 horsepower
ahead of what most competitors were
offering.
To power the 8530 and the other
8000 Thirty Series
tractors Deere
developed the
new 9.0 Liter
PowerTech Plus
engine. The new
engine included
features that had
not yet been used
on an off-road
diesel engine
and met EPA
Tier III emission
regulations, all
while setting fuel
efficiency records.
The John Deere 8410’s Implement Management System brought
increased simplicity by allowing operators to program the tractor
to perform up to twelve functions at the same time with a single
button.
Today, the largest
row crop tractor
John Deere offers
is the 8345R. The
8R Series tractors
were introduced
in August, 2009
and are some of the first to follow
John Deere’s new model numbering
system. The new system provides more
information about the tractor. In the
8345R, the 8 stands for the size of
the tractor, the next three numbers
indicate the engine horsepower, and
the letter represents the capability and
price level of the tractor.
The new 8R tractors feature the
CommandView II cab with increased
comfort and productivity and better
visibility, storage and convenience.
The CommandArm was also updated
to include a new color Command
Center screen that displays vital tractor
functions at the end of the arm rest.
The updated tractors also come
with more power. Along with 345
engine horsepower, the 8345R can
produce 284 PTO horsepower, putting
it at the top of the industry for
power. This capability is important,
said Matt Arnold, senior marketing
representative at John Deere.
“The significance to today’s farms
is that the 8345R will be able to
handle larger implements due to the
increase in horsepower, thus more
productivity,” said Arnold. “Couple that
with an all new operator’s station that
truly serves as a mobile office, and
customers will appreciate the greater
productivity and greater comfort of
the tractor.”
4
From us to you…
April flowers and May showers?
April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but I think Mother Nature
has it backwards here near Moline, Illinois. We experienced an unusually warm
April, but are in the midst of a very cool, very wet May.
Farmers in the area have had extremely good planting conditions, some even
got into the field a little earlier than expected thanks to the high ground
temperatures.
Generation tractors.
A banquet also will focus on the New
Generation of Power with a keynote
program focused on Deere Day in
Dallas, the massive new-product show
that introduced Deere dealers to the
New Generation.
The warm weather also meant that I had to dust off the lawn mower a little
earlier than usual. I don’t recall ever mowing before the first of May, but
I cut the lawn three times this April, all on warm, sunny afternoons. Now,
I’m dodging the rain to get my outdoor chores accomplished. Mowing in
coveralls, a stocking cap and gloves is not my idea of fun, but that’s what our
Midwestern weather has driven me to this year.
Tours of the John Deere Waterloo
Works factory and Cedar Valley
TechWorks will also be conducted
throughout the event. This will be
a rare opportunity for the public to
tour Cedar Valley TechWorks, a new
project focused on biotechnology.
The TechWorks is built on land
donated by John Deere to Cedar Valley
TechWorks. To learn more, visit www.
CedarValleyTechWorks.com.
While I make the best of the current weather I’m looking forward to sunnier
days filled with parades, fairs and tractor shows. Summer is always a great
time to enjoy some vintage tractors. Our local fair includes a small display, and
there’s always a tractor or two in the parade that comes with our small town’s
summer festival. I look forward to each of those every year and am excited to
add a new event to my calendar this year.
The John Deere Fall Festival will also
commemorate the 50th anniversary
of the New Generation of Power with
a set of limited edition toys. Each of
these Ertl-made toys is a Waterloo Fall
Festival exclusive.
In September I’ll head up to Waterloo, Iowa, for the John Deere Fall Festival.
The celebration of the 50th anniversary of John Deere’s New Generation
of Power will feature a chance to meet employees who helped create the
revolutionary tractor line, plus a tractor ride, and a tractor show, as well as
tractor and memorabilia auctions - all featuring John Deere machines from all
eras. For more information on this event, see page 1.
The following tractors are being
created just for the event. You can get
yours at the Fall Festival or in advance
at www.JohnDeere.com.
I, too, got my small-scale farming operation started ahead of schedule. Most
of my sweet corn can already be seen peaking through the ground, and we’ve
already started harvesting our radish crop.
I hope I’m able to leave the coveralls and stocking cap at home when I head to
Waterloo. I also hope to see you there.
Until then,
Keep your hand on the throttle and your plow in the ground,
Brian
5
Fall Festival from Page 1
• 1/16 Scale 4010 Standard Green
and Yellow Deco Tractor - $54.99
(USD)
• 1/16 Scale 4010 Gold Chrome Deco
Tractor - $286.99 (USD)
• 1/64 Scale Two-Piece Gold Chrome
4010 and Standard Green and
Yellow Deco 8RT Tractor Set $19.99 (USD)
THE PLOWSHARE
JOHN DEERE
One John Deere Place,
Moline, Illinois 61265
HeritageMarketing@JohnDeere.com
www.JohnDeere.com
You have received this publication due to your relationship with John Deere. The
Plowshare is free and is distributed quarterly. If you don’t want to receive future
issues, please contact Katie Baustian at One John Deere Place, Moline, IL 61265,
and ask to have your name removed from The Plowshare mailing list. We will then
stop sending you The Plowshare, but you may continue to receive information
about merchandise and upcoming events from John Deere.
John Deere Fall Festival
The John Deere Fall Festival will
celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
introduction of John Deere’s New
Generation of Power with auctions, a
tractor ride, tractor show, factory tours
and much more.
Kids Craft Days set at Pavilion
The John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois,
will hold themed Kids Craft Days from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on:
• June 19: cow puppets
• July 17: a variety of agricultural activities
will be part of the Pavilion’s Third
Annual Ag Education Day event
• Aug. 21: bug jar
Information: 309-765-1000
Blossoms at Butterworth
A garden party featuring family-oriented
activities will be held in the lush gardens
of the Butterworth Center, the home built
for John Deere’s granddaughter and her
husband.
Enjoy the gardens and other outdoor
activities from noon to 5 p.m. on June 27
at Butterworth Center, 1105 8th Street,
6
Moline, Illinois.
Details: www.ButterworthCenter.com.
Free Family Concert
James Coffey will perform at a free family
concert on the lawn of the Deere-Wiman
House, the lavish home built by John
Deere’s son, Charles Deere.
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. on
June 14. The Deere-Wiman House is
at 817 11th Avenue, Moline, Illinois.
Details:www.ButterworthCenter.com.
Hammer In 2010
Blacksmiths from around the region will
demonstrate their craft at the fourth
Hammer In at the John Deere Historic Site
in Grand Detour, Illinois.
Information: See page 2 or visit www.
JohnDeereAttractions.com
The event is scheduled for Sept. 9-11
in Waterloo, Iowa, where the New
Generation tractors were created.
Information: See page 1 or email
JDWLOOVistorServices@JohnDeere.com
In this issue
Event marks 50th anniversary of
New Generation of Power – p. 1
Longaberger Basket Fest Returns to
the John Deere Pavilion – p. 2
Hammer In to celebrate blacksmiths
– p. 2
Deere’s long line of row-crop
tractors, part 2 - p. 3
From us to you – p. 5
Unless otherwise noted, all capitalized names of
products and services are trademarks or service
marks of Deere & Company.